10 Best Bass Distortion Pedals 2025 in the United States

The Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 is a versatile bass preamp pedal that combines distortion, EQ, and overdrive in one compact unit. It’s designed for bass players who want a wide range of tone-shaping options. With a 4-band active EQ, you get precise control over bass, low mids, high mids, and treble, allowing you to dial in your perfect sound. The gain range is flexible, and the Grunt switch adds extra low-end boost to make your tone thicker and more powerful.

One standout feature is the balanced XLR output with switchable cabinet simulation, which is great for direct recording or live use without needing extra gear. The pedal also supports loading custom cabinet impulse responses via USB, giving you even more sonic variety. The aux input and headphone output with cab sim make it convenient for practicing quietly with your own music. It uses a 10V power supply and weighs about 1.5 pounds, making it sturdy but still pedalboard-friendly.

The pedal’s analog signal path ensures warm, natural tones, and the blend control helps balance clean and overdriven signals nicely. The Micro-USB connection may feel a bit outdated compared to modern USB-C, and the pedal might have a learning curve for beginners because of its many features. It is somewhat pricey, which might be a consideration for players just starting out. Nonetheless, players looking for a premium, feature-rich bass distortion pedal with excellent tone control and recording options will find the B7K Ultra V2 an excellent choice.

The Darkglass Alpha-Omega Photon is a versatile bass distortion and compression pedal tailored for bass players seeking a wide range of tones. It offers five distinct distortion modes and five compression settings, allowing you to shape your sound from subtle grit to aggressive distortion easily. The built-in 6-band graphic EQ provides detailed control over your tone, helping you dial in your preferred sound precisely.

It uses a classic 9V power supply and has a sturdy metal build, making it reliable for both studio and stage use. The pedal includes modern features like a USB-C interface and MIDI input, allowing for greater control and integration with digital setups — a bonus if you like tweaking your sound via software or syncing effects with other gear. At about 2.2 pounds and relatively compact, it’s portable but not the smallest pedal out there.

While it’s a bit pricier than basic distortion pedals, it suits bassists who want advanced tone-shaping tools and compression in one device. If you’re looking for a straightforward, simple pedal with fewer options, there might be easier choices, but this pedal stands out for its flexibility and professional features.

The JOYO Double Thruster R-28 is a high gain overdrive pedal designed specifically for bass players who want to add punchy low-end and sharp mid-to-high frequencies to their sound. It offers a versatile set of controls including tone, blend, volume, and gain, plus independent switches for boosting mid frequencies and overdrive gain, allowing you to shape your distortion with some precision.

The pedal comes in a sturdy metal alloy case, making it durable for regular use, and features an ambient LED light for a stylish look on stage. It runs on a standard 9V DC power supply (not included), but be careful to use a compatible power source to avoid noise issues or damage. Its compact size means it won’t take up much pedalboard space.

This pedal delivers clear, punchy distortion suitable for genres like rock, metal, and blues. Some users might find the blend control takes a bit of time to master to get the perfect balance. The absence of a power supply means an extra purchase is needed if you don't already have one. This makes the pedal a solid choice for bassists looking for a versatile, well-built overdrive pedal that offers good tone shaping and reliable performance without breaking the bank.